A Close Escape


ONE of James Smith's favorite anecdotes related to Colonel Greville. The

Colonel requested young James to call at his lodgings, and in the course

of their first interview related the particulars of the most curious

circumstance in his life. He was taken prisoner during the American war,

along with three other officers of the same rank: one evening they were

summoned into the presence of Washington, who announced to them that the
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conduct of their Government, in condemning one of his officers to death,

as a rebel, compelled him to make reprisals; and that, much to his

regret, he was under the necessity of requiring them to cast lots,

without delay, to decide which of them should be hanged. They were then

bowed out, and returned to their quarters. Four slips of paper were put

into a hat, and the shortest was drawn by Captain Asgill, who exclaimed,

I knew how it would be; I never won so much as a hit at backgammon in

my life. As Greville was selected to sit up with Captain Asgill, And

what, inquired Smith, did you say to comfort him?--Why, I remember

saying to him, when they left us, 'D---- it, old fellow, never mind!'

But it may be doubted (added Smith) whether he drew much comfort from

the exhortation. Lady Asgill persuaded the French Minister to interpose,

and the Captain was permitted to escape.

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